AASECT Humanitarian Award
American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
2026
Recognition & service
Awards that reflect a lifetime of listening, teaching, and advocacy.
Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski has been recognized by national, regional, and local organizations for her leadership in sexuality education, adolescent health, mental-health innovation, and service to young people and families.
Celebrating the moments behind the honors.
A record of community care.
These honors reflect the work of Dr. Mary Jo, her colleagues, and the young people and communities who have shaped her lifelong commitment to dignity, education, and wellness.
Golden Brick Award for national accomplishments in sexuality education
Golden Brick Award
December 2023
Liberty Bell Award
Washington County Bar Association
2022
Albert J. Craig Staunton Farms Award for Mental Health Innovation
Staunton Farm Foundation
2020
Distinguished Service Award
Washington Health System
2020
Best of the Best Observer Reporter Person of the Year
Observer-Reporter
December 2028
Educator of Excellence Award
Washington County Community Foundation
2018
Best of the Best Observer Reporter Local Children’s Books
Observer-Reporter
2017
First Annual Hall of Fame Inductee: Washington County Citizens Who Have Made a Difference
Washington County Historical Society
May 31, 2014
Excellence in Sexuality Educator Award
Healthy Teen Network
October 2014
Community Awareness Award
The Arc of Southwest PA
October 2014
Sex Educator of the Week
Center for Family Life Education
2013
Dignity and Respect Champion
UPMC Dignity and Respect Campaign
October 2011
Proclamation for the Ambassador for Respect Program’s fifth year
Commissioners
September 15, 2011
Social Justice Award
Three Rivers Community Foundation
October 26, 2009
Champion for Children Award
Washington County Children and Youth
April 22, 2009
Nominee: Youth Development Advocate of the Year Award
Board of Commissioners of Washington County, PA
July 2008
Human Rights Award
NAACP
May 2, 2008
Community Service Award and Paul Harris Fellowship
Rotary
June 26, 2006
Women and Girls of Distinction Math Technology and Sciences Award
Girl Scout Trillium
April 25, 2006
Life Time Achievement Award
PA Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Penn State University
October 26, 2005
Outstanding Coalition Award for Teen Wellness Coalition
PA Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
October 26, 2005
Rose Leadership Award
Zonta
April 6, 2005
Outstanding Caring Agency Award
Communities That Care
March 17, 2005
Outstanding Professional Award
National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting
November 19, 2004
Athena Woman of Wisdom Award, Washington County Recipient
Athena
October 1, 2004
Athena Woman of Wisdom Award finalist
Athena
October 2003
Youth Service Award for Real Talk Performers
PA Coalition
October 2003
Elisabeth Bing Award for Dedication to Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Lamaze International
September 2003
Employee Award for 9/11 Response
ABC Online Recognition
September 2001
Health Care Hero of the Year finalist
Pittsburgh Business Times
2002
Honorable Mention for Voices Video
National Family Relations Board
2000
Eckerd 100 National Awardee for the Eckerd Salute to Woman Program
Eckerd
August 1999
Safe Kids Key Award for Devotion to Youth
AAA Safe Kids
November 1998
Social Services Award
League of Women Voters
October 2, 1997
Project for Community Building Success Stories acknowledgment for Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Postpone, Prevent, PrepareSM Governor Ridge State Wide Publication
1990s
Champion Award, individual recipient
Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania
December 8, 1995
Champion Award, program honorable mention
Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania
1995
Girl Scout Leader of the Year
Girl Scouts
1991
The work continues.
Every recognition is a reminder that respectful, evidence-informed education changes lives—and that each person is a person of worth™.
Learn about Dr. Mary Jo’s speaking work